Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman today called Kazi Nazrul Islam a powerful source of inspiration for young people, urging students to embrace the poet’s ideals for building a more progressive and inclusive society.

A special morning programme was held at the Nazrul Kalakshetra to celebrate the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, popularly known as the “Rebel Poet.” The event was organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

As the chief guest, the minister paid tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam, describing him as a figure of awakening, resistance, and human unity. He said Nazrul was far more than a poet—his creative work spanned plays, songs, philosophy, short stories, and novels, all of which continue to influence generations.

Barman highlighted that Nazrul’s writings strongly opposed injustice, superstition, and social inequality, and remain highly relevant in contemporary times. He also noted that despite living in poverty, Nazrul consistently promoted messages of harmony, humanity, and national pride through his literary and musical contributions.

He further appealed to students and youth to adopt Nazrul’s ideals in their personal and social lives to help shape a stronger nation.

Former Tripura University Vice-Chancellor and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Arunoday Saha also addressed the gathering. He praised Nazrul’s remarkable role in enriching Bengali literature and said his legacy continues to live on in public memory. He also mentioned Nazrul’s artistic range, including his compositions of ghazals and Shyama Sangeet, which remain widely admired.